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Government ‘Furious’ At US Leaks Of Forensic Photographs From Manchester Attack

Government ‘Furious’ At US Leaks Of Forensic Photographs From Manchester Attack

By Carmarlena Murdaca |
May 25, 2017

Government ‘Furious’ At US Leaks Of Forensic Photographs From Manchester Attack

Government ‘Furious’ At US Leaks Of Forensic Photographs From Manchester Attack

The UK government have reacted with anger after a US newspaper published photos showing the scene of the Manchester bomb attack.

Counter terror police chiefs said the leak “undermined their investigation and victims’ and witnesses’ confidence.”

“We are furious,” a source added. “This is completely unacceptable.” Earlier, UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd said she was irritated with the US for releasing information about the attack.

Amber also said that she had told Washington “it should not happen again”.

“The British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise,” she added. “So it is irritating if it gets released from other sources and I have been very clear with our friends that should not happen again.”

Shortly after, however, the New York Times published photos they said were gathered by UK authorities at the scene of the attack which included a device identified as a “possible detonator”.

The pictures also suggest the bomb was relatively sophisticated, requiring a degree of expertise. It contained a powerful explosive in a lightweight metal container, with indication that it was carried in a blue rucksack.

The pictures were then published by UK media. “These images leaked from inside the US system will be distressing for victims, their families and the wider public,” a source added. “The issue is being raised at every relevant level by the British authorities with their US counterparts.”

The latest disclosures come on top of a series of leaks from US officials about the British investigation, including the naming of the killer.